Cook County Crime Stoppers is putting up a $1,000 reward for help tracking down the driver in a hit-and-run that killed 22-year-old Jermaine Martin in Chicago's Gage Park. The deadly crash happened in the early hours of Aug. 9, when a gray SUV ran a red light and struck Martin as he crossed at 55th Street and Kedzie Avenue. Police say the driver kept going north on Kedzie and never stopped to help, and detectives are still working the case.
Police release surveillance images of suspect SUV
Chicago police have released still images from surveillance video showing a silver Toyota 4Runner Limited, believed to be a 2014 to 2024 model, that rolled through the intersection before speeding away. Investigators say the SUV may have damage to the front-right side and was last seen heading north on Kedzie Avenue near Archer and Sacramento avenues, according to ABC7 Chicago.
$1,000 reward and how to submit a tip
Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering $1,000 for information that leads to identifying the driver. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-535-STOP (7867) or online at CPDTIP.com, according to CBS Chicago. Police are also asking anyone with information to contact the Major Accident Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521 and reference case number JJ367808, per a police alert reviewed by CWBChicago.
Victim identified and autopsy ruling
The Cook County Medical Examiner identified the victim as 22-year-old Jermaine Martin. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital after the crash and later pronounced dead, local reporting shows. An autopsy later ruled Martin's death a homicide, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Neighbors call for more police presence
People who work near the intersection say the crash highlights long-standing traffic and safety worries in the area. A barber across the street described the collision as "bad timing, bad spot," the station reported. Ald. Jeylu Gutierrez (14th) has asked Chicago police to step up patrols at that crossing and other nearby corridors, according to CBS Chicago.
Detectives are urging anyone with dash-cam footage or information about a silver Toyota 4Runner seen in the neighborhood that morning to come forward. Tips submitted anonymously to Cook County Crime Stoppers could be eligible for the $1,000 reward and help move the investigation forward. The Major Accident Investigation Unit continues to dig into the case while neighbors push for stronger enforcement around the busy 55th and Kedzie corridor.
